Get Pricing & Availability for Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Call (855) 481-6777 for immediate assistance and get more details
Page Reviewed / Updated – January 13, 2024
The largest city in Maine, Portland is a charming seaside town popular with retirees. Despite high overall living costs, locals can benefit from affordable health care and transportation costs. While some forms of retirement income are taxed in Maine, Social Security and military benefits are tax-exempt. There is also no local sales tax, which can help with everyday expenses.
In terms of senior care, assisted living in Portland costs an average of $4,493 per month, which is much lower than the state median ($5,609) and comparable to the national average ($4,459).
This guide provides an overview of assisted living in Portland, including information about costs, some helpful resources and a list of the top 10 facilities in the city.
The Cost of Assisted Living in Portland, ME
When determining how to finance Assisted Living, it’s essential to first know the expense involved for your loved one to join a reputable community. With the ongoing increase in costs, having current information is crucial when budgeting for senior care. To help highlight the influence of inflation on senior living expenses, PayingForSeniorCare.com has collected cost data from its extensive network of over 75,000 senior living communities. This data represents the average cost of Assisted Living in Portland and in 6 other cities in Maine.
Inflation & the Cost of Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Care costs in Portland have been significantly impacted by inflation. From $4,101 in 2022 to $4,493 in 2023, costs jumped by nearly 10%, consistent with the national increase (10%). While inflation also impacted other cities across Maine, the state median only rose by 2%. However, Portland’s average costs are over $1,000 lower than the state average.
Senior living rates continue to rise. Costs in Portland are projected to reach $4,839 by 2024, which is higher than the estimated costs for Auburn and Kennebunk, yet lower than South Portland. Through advanced planning and careful budgeting, seniors can stay on top of these rising costs.
Location |
2022 Cost (Historical) |
2023 Cost (Current) |
2024 Cost (Estimated) |
Portland |
$4,101 |
$4,493 |
$4,839 |
U.S. Average |
$4,070 |
$4,459 |
$4,802 |
Maine |
$5,513 |
$5,609 |
$5,855 |
Auburn |
$4,012 |
$4,395 |
$4,733 |
South Portland |
$5,061 |
$5,545 |
$5,972 |
Kennebunk |
$3,498 |
$3,832 |
$4,127 |
The Cost of Other Types of Care in Portland, ME
There are other senior living options to explore when making decisions about long-term care. Independent living can be a budget-friendly option for self-sufficient seniors, as it sees the lowest monthly costs at $2,866. Assisted living costs are higher ($4,493), but they include personalized daily assistance with personal care tasks. Memory care costs are higher than assisted living ($4,832). While it also includes daily assistance, the care and programming provided are enhanced for seniors with dementia.
Care Type |
Cost |
Assisted Living |
$4,493 |
Memory Care |
$4,832 |
Independent Living |
$2,886 |
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Other Ways To Pay for Assisted Living in Portland, ME
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For additional information and planning, read our comprehensive guide to paying for senior care in Maine.
Rules and Regulations for Assisted Living Facilities in Portland, ME
Assisted Living Communities in Portland are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined by the state. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.